JetHawks clinch first half in rout of Quakes

LANCASTER, Calif. - The JetHawks clinched the 2014 South Division First Half Title with a 16-3 victory over the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Wednesday night at The Hangar. Lancaster has clinched a spot in September's playoffs and will have a first round bye before facing the winner of the South Division Mini-Series in the best of five South Division Finals.

The feat marks the sixth time the JetHawks have won a first half title in franchise history and the first time they've won back-to-back first halves since 2007 and 2008 as a Boston Red Sox affiliate.

Lancaster (43-24) began its offensive onslaught in the second inning with the score 2-1 in favor of the Quakes. Jack Mayfield hit his first home run as a JetHawk, a two-run shot to put Lancaster ahead, before the club loaded the bases.

Rio Ruiz made the score 7-2 with a grand slam, his first of the season. The home run was his sixth of the year and helped him tie a team season-high with six RBIs on the night.

The scoring continued against Quakes (30-37) starter Jharel Cotton (1-4) in the third inning. Conrad Gregor led off with a solo home run and a Danry Vasquez and Jordan Scott walk ended Cotton's night. Reliever Jack McGeary allowed RBI-singles to Carlos Correa and Ruiz before finishing the inning.

Chris Devenski (4-5) had plenty of run support to work with and put together a quality start. The right-hander went six innings and allowed two runs, an Aaron Miller second inning homer, with seven strikeouts.

Danry Vasquez finished the night 5-for-5 with a four runs scored to become the third JetHawk to post a five-hit game this season.

Scott walked four time and picked up an RBI with a single. Tony Kemp reached base five times and scored three runs.

Matt Heidenreich tossed two scoreless innings of relief and Daniel Minor finished the game in the ninth. Minor allowed one run to end his consecutive scoreless innings streak at 17 1/3.

With 43 wins, the club has tied the franchise record for first half wins set back in 2004. There are three games remaining before half concludes.

The two clubs will play the second game of the four-game series on Thursday night at The Hangar. Mark Appel and Tom Windle are slated to pitch. First pitch is 6:30 p.m.

Thursday is Throw 'Em Back Thursday, 80's Night and LGBT Night at The Hangar. Fans can enjoy $2 beers, hot dogs, nachos and sodas while watching the JetHawks play in their throwback uniforms.

Don't miss a moment of exciting JetHawks action at The Hangar in 2014. Playoff tickets and other great ticket packages are on sale now. To order, call (661) 726-5400 or visit jethawks.com.